HEKS/EPER is making a difference in the «Church-run social projects (diaconia)» in Western Switzerland

The Siège romand is conducting eleven outreach projects to assist disadvantaged persons, migrants and asylum-seekers in the Cantons of Vaud, Geneva and Neuchâtel. Some are aimed at integration, others at safeguarding rights. They are all designed to restore dignity and autonomy to the beneficiaries. The integration projects focus on language learning, integration into skilled employment or ending isolation. Other projects promote a better quality of life through prevention, information and guidance regarding appropriate services. HEKS/EPER also defends people's rights by providing legal assistance, advice or training designed to improve beneficiaries' understanding of their rights and duties. It also engages in advocacy, especially in asylum-related matters.

Contact us:

Head of the Regional Office:

Olivier Ferrari

The Reformed Church and its diaconal institutions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East assume their social responsibility through their commitment to the weakest in society. HEKS/EPER supports the Reformed Churches in this endeavour. They provide home care services for elderly and care-dependent people, day care centres for children with disabilities as well as counselling and women's shelters for victims of domestic violence. They also promote social and job market integration for the Roma and other minorities that face discrimination. Through their active involvement, church organizations often play a pioneering role and strive to ensure that the government co-finances or itself provides important public services for the weakest in society.